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Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin (Best Holiday Recipe)

If you want a holiday main dish that is elegant, juicy, flavorful, and truly unforgettable, this Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin is the perfect recipe. It’s the halal-friendly alternative to stuffed pork tenderloin — with all the festive richness, tenderness, and color you want for Christmas or Thanksgiving. Turkey tenderloin is naturally lean, tender, and perfect for stuffing. When butterflied and filled with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, spinach, garlic, sweet onions, sage, and cranberry sauce, it becomes a show-stopping centerpiece. Every slice reveals a beautiful swirl of green spinach, white cheese, and red cranberry — a true holiday color trio! This recipe is: Elegant and festive Juicy and flavorful Perfect for smaller Christmas gatherings Easier than roasting a whole turkey Great for Thanksgiving too The combination of creamy goat cheese, garlicky spinach, fresh sage, and tangy cranberry creates a gorgeous flavor profile that tastes like Christmas on a plate. Let’s bring this holiday masterpiece to life!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Turkey
  • 1 turkey tenderloin 1–2 lbs, boneless
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
Stuffing
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 sweet onion finely chopped
  • 6 oz goat cheese
  • ½ cup cranberry sauce
For Searing & Roasting
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Extra sage for garnish
  • All ingredients are halal and Christmas-friendly.

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Kitchen twine or toothpicks
  • Aluminum foil
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat thermometer (optional, but ideal)

Method
 

Step 1: Butterfly the turkey tenderloin by slicing it horizontally and opening it like a book, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
    Step 2: Sauté the sweet onion in butter until soft, add garlic and spinach, cook until wilted, then stir in sage and goat cheese until creamy.
      Step 3: Spread cranberry sauce over the butterflied turkey, then add the creamy spinach filling in an even layer.
        Step 4: Roll the turkey tightly into a log and secure it with kitchen twine or toothpicks so the stuffing stays inside.
          Step 5: Sear the rolled turkey in butter until golden on all sides, then transfer to a baking dish and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 25–35 minutes until cooked through.
            Step 6: Rest for 10 minutes, remove twine, slice into rounds, garnish with sage, and serve warm with extra cranberry sauce.

              Notes

              🧊 Storage & Reheating
              Refrigerator
              Store slices for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
              Freezer
              Freeze cooked slices for up to 2 months.
              Reheating
              Oven: 325°F for 8–10 minutes
              Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
              Microwave: 30–40 seconds
              🥄 Variations
              ⭐ 1. Cream Cheese & Herb Stuffed Turkey
              Replace goat cheese with cream cheese + parsley + thyme.
              ⭐ 2. Spinach Artichoke Version
              Add chopped artichokes + mozzarella to the stuffing.
              ⭐ 3. Apple Cranberry Holiday Stuffed Turkey
              Add finely chopped apples for sweetness.
              ⭐ 4. Mushroom Garlic Stuffed Turkey
              Add sautéed mushrooms for deep savory flavor.
              ⭐ 5. Feta & Sundried Tomato Mediterranean Version
              Use feta + basil + sundried tomatoes.
              ⭐ 6. Brie & Cranberry Christmas Roll
              Replace goat cheese with brie for a melty filling.
              ⭐ 7. Pecan & Cranberry Crunch
              Add crushed pecans for texture.
              ❓ 10 FAQs
              1. Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
              Yes — large chicken breasts work the same way.
              2. What makes turkey tenderloin good for stuffing?
              It’s lean, soft, and easy to butterfly.
              3. Can I make it ahead?
              Yes — assemble, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
              4. Can I use frozen spinach?
              Yes — drain well before using.
              5. What can I use instead of goat cheese?
              Cream cheese, feta, or ricotta.
              6. How do I prevent the stuffing from leaking out?
              Roll tightly and secure with twine.
              7. Should I cover it while baking?
              Cover for the first 10 minutes if drying too fast.
              8. What sides go best with it?
              Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, salads.
              9. Can I double the recipe?
              Absolutely — bake longer if needed.
              10. How do I know it’s done?
              Turkey should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temp.
              🏁 Conclusion
              This Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin is tender, juicy, festive, and bursting with Christmas flavor. With creamy goat cheese, bright cranberry, fresh sage, and savory spinach all rolled into a perfectly roasted turkey tenderloin, it’s a Christmas main course that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy.
              It slices beautifully, presents like a gourmet holiday dish, and tastes even better. Whether you're hosting Christmas dinner, preparing a romantic holiday meal, or planning a Thanksgiving feast, this recipe adds elegance to your table with minimal effort.
              Once you serve it, your family will request it every holiday season!